Kombucha receives golden credibility and reputation in the beverage world. It’s pretty much everywhere, from grocery store shelves to office refrigerators and even on tap in cafés. But the million dollar is, what does Kombucha taste like?
Seeing that this fizzy fermented tea increases in popularity, so did claims of its health advantages, from enhanced digestion, metabolism, immunity, liver function, a heart condition, and even more.
But are these statements supported by scientific research and is kombucha good for you? Right here’s what nutrition studies have to say.
What Is Kombucha?
Kombucha is an old-fashioned beverage that was first consumed in China more than 2,200 years ago for its detoxifying and energizing properties. Since trade routes expanded, kombucha tracked down its way to Russia and then into others.
How Is Kombucha Made?
The basic ingredients in kombucha are yeast, sugar, and black tea. The mix is set aside for a week or more. Throughout that time, bacterias and acids appear in the drink, as well as a small amount of alcohol. This process is known as fermentation, and it’s the same as how cabbage is preserved as sauerkraut or kimchi, or exactly how milk is turned into yogurt.
These bacteria and acids make a film on the surface of the liquid referred to as a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Anyone can make use of SCOBY to ferment more kombucha.
Kombucha bacteria include lactic-acid bacteria that can function as a probiotic. Kombucha also contains a healthier dose of B vitamins.
In brief, it’s made by adding a colony of alive bacteria and yeast, known as a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast), to sweetened tea plus leaving it to ferment for a few weeks until it converts into a slightly sweet, a little tart beverage that’s separated from the SCOBY and bottled.
What does Kombucha Taste Like?
Kombucha is airy, tart, and slightly sweet. Depending on the added essences, it can even taste fruity, floral, spicy, or herbaceous. It comes with a flavor profile similar to sparkling apple cider but along with a more pronounced sour taste. After the tea is fermented, the finished drink doesn’t taste like brewed tea anymore.
Because kombucha involves a fermentation process, a trace amount of alcohol may remain. The amount of alcohol is so low (no more than 1%) that it doesn’t involve any negative impacts.
Benefits Of Kombucha Tea.
Gut health
Some research study suggests that kombucha, like other fermented foods, is rich in probiotics. Probiotic bacteria are very similar to the friendly bacteria that are existing in the intestine.
Eating a diet that contains probiotics may aid improve an individual’s overall gut health.
Antimicrobial properties.
When kombucha ferments, the process creates a form of acid called acetic acid, which is also present in vinegar. Research indicates that acetic acid has antimicrobial properties.
Other studies reveal that kombucha is an antimicrobial, which means that it may be able to kill microbes and help fight a range of bacteria.
Lower Cholesterol Levels.
A 2015 study suggests that kombucha could help reduce the levels of cholesterol linked to heart disease in rats, and another study suggests that probiotic supplements could help reduce cardiovascular illness risk.
Boost Liver Health
Kombucha contains antioxidants that help fight molecules in the body that can harm cells.
Some research, consisting of a study from 2014, suggests that consuming antioxidant-rich kombucha may help protect against drug-induced liver damage in animals.
All the Many Health Benefits of Komboucha!
Word Of Advice
Making kombucha involves letting bacteria develop in a liquid you’re going to drink. Many of the bacteria are considered probiotics, but if it’s not prepared appropriately, it can easily grow harmful bacteria or mold.
Most kombuchas contain large amounts of added sugar. Frequently consuming sugar-sweetened drinks can adversely impact overall health in many ways.
For example, drinking sweetened beverages can result in weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and increased triglyceride levels.
An Important Thing To Take Note Of
Whenever shopping for kombucha, it may be best to choose labels that contain under 4 grams (1 teaspoon) of added sugar per serving.